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Ellmers Statement on Military Action in Syria

September 3 2013

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement regarding proposed military action in Syria:

For more than two years we have witnessed the inner turmoil taking place in Syria and the horrendous atrocities executed by the Assad regime. Recently, reports have come out showing that chemical weapons have been used in cowardly attacks that have shocked the world in their brutality. These constitute a threat to our allies in Israel and Jordan and therefore warrant additional debate and preparedness.

But as President Obama and his administration begin to beat the drums of war in an area of the world which has witnessed significant bloodshed and turmoil for decades, we must take caution and ask serious questions regarding our interests and the price to be paid with intervention. We have learned so much from our history of involvement in this part of the world and the fog of war which clouds our judgment between friend and foe, perceived goals and collateral damage.

At this time, I see nothing but hardship, danger, and unprovoked sacrifice on the shoulders of our military, our troops, and their families. For these and many other reasons which have been echoed by my constituents, I cannot support military action against Syria at this time. Our focus must be on rebuilding our economy here at home after struggling for nearly five years under the President Obama's economy. Unless further evidence shows a clear threat to our national interests and a clearly defined vision of victory, this will remain my position moving forward.

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Congresswoman Renee Ellmers serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is chairwoman of the Republican Women's Policy Committee. She represents the Second District of North Carolina which includes all of Fort Bragg.